The growing number of PDI-P politicians appointed to key positions at SOEs and other strategic institutions, experts say, is part of Megawati's long-term aim to cement the party's political and ideological standing toward the 2024 elections and beyond.
he Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is continuing to take over key positions at state institutions in a development likely to further consolidate its power in maintaining the status quo and its political future afloat.
The recent promotion of PDI-P politician Darmawan Prasodjo as president director of the state electricity company (PLN) to replace seasoned banker Zulkifli Zaini has prompted criticism, with the opposition Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) questioning the move, as it came at a time when PLN was doing well.
The PKS also called on the government “not to politicize” the second largest state-owned company.
When asked about Darmawan’s appointment, PDI-P executive Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the new PLN chief was a man of professionalism and integrity. “I know Mas Darmawan is professional, smart, has integrity and sufficient experience to manage a strategic company like PLN. He has a good track record,” he said, as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Prior to his promotion, Darmawan was PLN vice president director, a post to which he was appointed in 2019 after serving as an adviser at the Executive Office of the President for four years since 2015. Before that, he was an adviser to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during the 2014 presidential election after failing his own bid for a seat at the House of Representatives during the legislative election.
The economist-turned-politician is among a long list of PDI-P politicians who have been appointed to high-level positions since Jokowi was reelected in 2019.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.